Ten French crime thrillers that will keep you guessing until the very last scene!
Looking to shake up your watch list for the new year? Adding a dash of mystery with the usual hints of “je ne sais quoi,” these French whodunits will have you on the edge of your seat with pure suspense. For binge worthy series, here’s a list of ten fantastically French crime shows streaming on Netflix.
No 1: The Billionaire, The Butler and The Boyfriend
Based on a true story, the series digs deeper into the feud between L’Oréal heiress, and richest woman in the world, Liliane Bettencourt and her daughter François Bettencourt Meyers all while unraveling financial abuse by staff and friends and tax evasion. You may never look at your tube of lipstick the same again after this one!
No 2: Criminal France
This limited series was inspired by real crimes, but follows a team of investigators in Paris as they try to outwit their suspects in the three episodes based on fictitious crimes. Each episode features a new case and brings viewers into the investigation room to follow along as the stories unravel. This series is a part of an anthology which also features episodes from Spain, the U.K and Germany. There is no shortage of mind games and manipulation in this show, leaving any Franco-crime enthusiast nail biting until the very last scene.
No 3: Lupin
Now in its third season, Lupin is perfect for any Frenchie who loves thrillers and mysteries. Follow along as beloved and legendary Omar Sy plays a street-smart thief seeking revenge on the rich and powerful family who framed his father, leaving him to fend for himself at fourteen when his father is falsely jailed. Showcasing the most beautiful scenes in and around Paris, this one is for any Frenchie who loves a good plot twist with breathtaking, iconic landmarks.
No 4: Who Killed Little Gregory
Looking for a mini series to completely lose yourself in? Look no further than Who Killed Little Gregory, a murder mystery that details the true story of a families harassment and the eventual murder of four year old Gregory Villemen in the 1980’s. Each episode peels back another layer, revealing more questions than answers and leaves the viewer wondering, “who killed little Gregory??” As it’s set in small-town, rural France, this mini series is perfect for the Francophone who loves digging deeper into “la vrai vie Française” and French culture.
No 5: The Perfect Mother
While not based on a true story, The Perfect Mother definitely gives Amanda Knox vibes. When Hélène’s daughter becomes a murder suspect while studying in Paris, she takes the first flight to France where she reconnects with a long lost lover and lawyer ami, Vincent. The two definitely steam up the screen while inching closer to what really happened and how Hélène’s daughter is involved. Tune into this one if you enjoy sultry affairs and edge-of-your-seat suspense.
No 5: Blood Coast
When new drug cartel activity is being reported in and around Marseille, detectives piece together clues, trying to connect the activity to a recent inmate who escaped during a transport. This show is not short of violence and plot twists, set in the backdrop of one of France’s most beautiful, old port cities. Watch this to get your fix of gritty Marseille visuals accompanied by action packed scenes.
No 7: Monique Olivier: Accessory To Evil
A meek and submissive wife or an underestimated, savage partner who partook in some of the most brutal and violent murders from the 80’s to the early 2000’s. Follow along as news releases and interviews reveal the role played by Monique Olivier in the murders linked to her psychopathic husband. This one will have you never looking at your family members the same.
No 8: The Forest
Looking for a show full of intrigue that will have you pointing your finger at every character? The Forest follows the mysterious disappearance of Jennifer, a local high schooler who lives in a village bordered by the Ardennes forest. As the story unfolds, two more girls go missing and police are scrambling to connect the forest to the crimes. If you’re into a series where each character's subplot weaves beautifully into the main story, this show will leave you fully invested!
No 9: The Women and the Murderer
Following the murders, manhunt and trial of the serial killer dubbed, “The Beast of Bastille,” this documentary takes you through the story only using women who were directly involved in the case. The mother of one of the victims, the journalist, the police chief, and two of the lawyers lead you through the case, as we discover more layers of the truth. A heavy emphasis on smart women in this one!
No 10: Room 2806 - The Accusation
This docuseries is the only one that is mostly in English with some interviews in French mixed in, so if you’re looking to practice your French listening skills, while interesting, this may not be the best choice. The series follows Dominique Strauss-Kahn, or DSK, who was the leading candidate for the 2012 French presidential election and head of the International Monetary Fund, as he is accused of sexual assault of a maid during a stay in New York. Follow the timeline and the clues in order to make your own conclusion. Did he do it, or was it just a case of a maid looking to get rich quick? Room 2806 is perfect for the French enthusiast who wants to watch French shows, but who doesn't want to be stuck reading along.
Did your favorite crime thriller not make the list? Share it below!!!
Happy Watching! -R
